February 20, 2023 Newsletter
• There is an embarrassment of excellent wines scoring quite highly and keeping the price within reason given the high quality of the wine.
Classics Catalogue: January, 2023
• The following 2018 Lungarotti ‘San Giorgio – Rosso’ was sourced from approximately 50% cabernet sauvignon and 50% sangiovese plus a very small amount of an indigenous grape--canaiolo. There are still more than 150 bottles available in the January Classics Catalogue. If you fish in these upscale waters, you will want to reel in a few.
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Lungarotti ‘San Giorgio – Rosso’ 2018
IGT Umbria, Italy $63.00 (62877) 14.0% alcohol
A delightful red wine that is available through the January Classics Catalogue on the LCBO site. It is quite aromatic with earthy notes, red and dark berry along with juicy cherry that is replayed on the palate with plenty of tang and pizzazz. This showcases ripe fruit flavour from cork pop to final drop with good balance, soft ripe tannin and plenty of persistent purity of fruit to and through the finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside medium-rare grilled flank steak. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Releases
Vintages Release: January 21, 2023
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Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Pinot Noir 2021
South Australia $19.95 (197392) 14.0% alcohol
This wine was matured for nine months in oak and emerged with aromas of eucalyptus, baking spice and ripe mulberry fruit along with red pie cherry and sandalwood on the nose after a few gentle swirls. It blankets the palate with juicy ripe cherry/berry fruit along with tang, spice and pizzazz and an underpinning of soft, ripe tannin from twist top to last drop along with good mouthfeel and plenty of delightful flavours. The price-quality balance tips in your favour. Order an armful and pour with rack of lamb or a premium cut of beef steak. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: February 4, 2023
• The following 2019 Viña Real ‘Crianza’ was sourced from 90% tempranillo and the 10% balance from the following three grape varieties garnacha/mazuelo/graciano. All fruit was sourced from both estate-owned vines and vineyards from local vignerons that have been supplying grapes to this winery for decades and all grapes were hand-harvested. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation followed by maturation of the wine for 13 or 14 months in French and American oak barrels. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour at $19.95 for a 92-point score.
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Viña Real ‘Crianza’ 2019
DOCa Rioja, Spain $19.95 (657411) 13.5%
A delightful wine with colourful aromas of floral notes that meld nicely with fruit-forward aromas of dark and juicy cherry, black currant and blueberry and tell-tale signs of its time in oak with baking spice, toasty notes and notions of grilled savory herbs. The palate is treated to a gusher of well balanced and structured almost smooth and mellow fruit, tang and pizzazz from the first taste to the finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own or with hearty stew, cassoulet or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: February 4, 2023
• The following 2021 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Chardonnay was sourced from 2 Geographical Indications—the cool Clare Valley and the warmer Padthaway G.I. with the latter considered ‘fabulous for Chardonnay’ that is in the top class of all Australia along with Margaret River where you will pay twice the price for a Chardonnay of this calibre and quality. Pick up an armful while it is still on LCBO shelves.
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Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Chardonnay 2022
G I’s, Padthaway/Clare Valley, South Australia $17.95 (711556) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of fruit flavours—Granny Smith apple and ripe pear mingle with citrus notes of blood orange, Meyer lemon and Key lime pie. A gusher of creamy-smooth mouthfeel blankets the palate with fruit-forward flavours of lemon curd, green apple, white nectarine and toasted notes. It’s medium-full bodied with plenty of tang and pizzazz. It showcases persistent purity of fruit to and through the lip-smacking finish and the dazzling aftertaste. Pour with roast chicken or pan-seared breaded pork cutlets. (Vic Harradine)
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Calamus Estate Winery ‘Ball’s Falls - Red’
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (10527) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of rich, dark berry fruit, dark chocolate and cassis abound on the nose of this deftly balanced, gorgeously flavoured red. It dishes up mouthfuls of sweet-tinged fruit—dark cherry and ripe bramble berry interwoven with excellent tang and acidity and mixed spice. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a lengthy finish oozing with flavour, tangy acidity and plenty of charm. Load up the trunk and pour with steak, burgers or beef fajitas. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: February 18, 2023
• The following 2018 Yalumba ‘Family Wine Merchants - Samuel’s Collection-Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon’ was fashioned with fruit that was sourced from vines that were 10- to 35-years-old from the Barossa Geographical Indication. Yalumba is an iconic winery. From the Hill-Smith family, who have owned and operated the winery for over 170 years, to their community of growers, the whole Yalumba family is dedicated to the same thing: making exceptional wine. This wine can be consumed now or over the next five years. The wine was matured in 19% new French and Hungarian oak hogsheads and barriques and balanced with 1 to 5 year-old French, American and Hungarian barrels.
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Yalumba ‘Family Wine Merchants - Samuel’s Collection-Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon’ 2018
GI Barossa, Australia $24.95 (12999) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas galore waft from the gentlest of swirls—mocha, red and dark cherry/berry fruit and dark plum compote. There is a replay on the palate with flavours of tangy red pie cherry and plenty of pizzazz juxtaposed with a touch of savoury herbs and rich, sweet flavours of cassis and kirsch liqueur that persist through the finish and aftertaste. Simply delectable. Give it a go with rack of lamb just off the barbie or beer-can cooked chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2015 Bodegas Altanza was sourced from Rioja’s native grape variety – tempranillo. Decanter rated this wine at 96 points, without, however, any tasting notes.
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Bodegas Altanza ‘Gran Reserva’ 2015
DOCa Rioja, Spain $30.95 (453548) 14.0% alcohol
Deep and brooding in the glass, it gives off strong spice—sandalwood and fruit-driven aromas with the gentlest of swirls—black currant, bramble berry pie, mulberry and Saskatoon berry galore. Some of the above aromas replay on the palate with black currant and bramble berry pie to the fore. This has deft balance between soft, ripe tannin, ripened berry fruit and plenty of tang and pizzazz to and through the finish and lengthy aftertaste. Pour with chorizo and prawn paella.
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release: March 4, 2023
• The following 2019 Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet-Merlot was hand-harvested from cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc and merlot that were kept to below 2 tonnes per acre and aged in French oak barrels. It is also accredited as being a sustainable winemaking winery by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario.
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Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet-Merlot 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $44.95 (616433) 13.2% alcohol
There is plenty of time for this blooming red blend to settle down and make its way to the top of the ladder—careful cellaring for another two years should take of that. It has intriguing aromas of rose petals, dark cherry/berry fruit and on the palate there’s plenty of tang and juicy red fruit flavour and a pleasing share of ripe, juicy black raspberry and an underpinning of firm, but ripe tannin on the palate and aftertaste. Patience should be rewarded, especially if carefully cellared. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: March 18, 2023
The following 2018 C.V.N.E. ‘CUNE – Reserva’ was sourced from their own estate vineyards known as Caballeros, Santo Tomás and Sarnamoros and they are found in the villages of Rodezno, Villalba and Haro at an altitude between 500 to 600 meters above sea level. The grape varieties are 85% tempranillo and the other 15% are shared between these three varieties—garnacha tinta/graciano/mazuelo. This wine is vegan-friendly.
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C.V.N.E. ‘CUNE – Reserva’ 2018
DOCa Rioja, Spain $22.95 (16791) 14.0% alcohol
There are easily coaxed aromas with the gentlest of swirls and they are worth the effort. The red fruits and liquorice are well integrated with barrel-affected aromas of piquant spice and cigarette tobacco leaf. A long slow ripening was provided and it enabled the production of great, intense wines. This is quite elegant on the palate providing a wine of great balance and fruit-flavour that linger on the finish and aftertaste. You may want to pick up a few and serve with calamari rings breaded lightly and pan-seared in butter. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: April 1, 2023
• The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Chardonnay is sourced from 100% chardonnay in vineyards along the Mediterranean coast. The bottle with the rose petals etched into the base of the wine bottle was a work of art from a student attending Ecole Boulle in France.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Chardonnay 2021
IGP Pays D’Oc, France $18.95 (10621) 13.0% alcohol
The wine is also a work of art. It has just about all you would expect or want. Dazzling aromas of citrus—lemon pastille, clementine orange and sweet ripe pineapple abound on the nose and the palate along with excellent balancing tang from glass pop (that is how it is sealed with a glass stopper) to last drop and a juicy finish and aftertaste. Pick up a few and you will be surprised at how interesting this wine’s aromas attracts and how delightful you’ll find it in the glass and on the palate, how wonderful it tastes. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: April 15, 2023
• The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Domaine L’Aigle – Pinot Noir is sourced from estate vineyards in Limoux in the foothills of the Pyrenees with Pinot Noir being planted between 250 and 500 meters. Fruit is hand-harvested and transported to the winery in small boxes. The wine is not filtered before bottling. It is Demeter-certified as a biodynamique wine.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Domaine L’Aigle – Pinot Noir 2021
IGP Haut Vallée de L’Aude, France $35.00 (10015) 14.0% alcohol
Very intensive aromas of small berries fill the room after a swirl or three. The palate is treated to a gusher of tender fruit that’s finely spiced on the finish and aftertaste. There are silky tannins and exceptional structure on the lip-smacking finish and the tangy aftertaste. This wine is best served between 12-14 ° C alongside grilled red meat or roasted poultry. Give it a try when it’s released. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: April 15, 2023
• The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Orange Gold – Organic Wine’ pays homage to the very first ‘orange wines’ from Georgia some 4,500 years ago. The ‘Georgia’ is from Eastern Europe, not one of the U.S southern states. The grape varieties in this wine are the following—chardonnay/grenache blanc/viognier/marsanne/mauzac/muscat.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Orange - Gold – Organic Wine’ 2021
Product of France, $24.95 (23729) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of piquant spice, sharp citrus of blood orange, lemon curd and pomegranate are easily found after three or four swirls. Replays on the palate include blood orange and lemon curd with plenty of tang and pizzazz. There are also notions of flinty minerality and grapefruit pith on the finish and aftertaste. A wine to be savoured on its own or with cheese or aperitifs. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: TBD
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Château Boisson ‘Bordeaux Blanc’ 2022
AOC Bordeaux, France $17.95, 13.5% alcohol
This wine is 70% sauvignon blanc with the balance being the elusive sauvignon gris, a grape which has almost disappeared from the Bordeaux region. It has an interesting nose of cut grass and lemon, with a foundation of minerality. In the mouth it is medium bodied, with mouthwatering crispness, and flavours of pear and lemon. The citrus flavours last well through the finish. Pairs very well with roast chicken. (Dave Isaacs)
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Château Mayne-Vallet 2018
AOC Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux, France $18.95 14.5% alcohol
This fresh-tasting, merlot-dominant red blend evokes aromas of red current, plums and blackberry adorned with notions of anise, black pepper and a subtle mineral quality. It’s nicely balanced with smooth tannins and well-integrated alcohol. Tangy cherry, berry and plum flavours, grounded with dried herbs and spice, persist on the long, mouth-watering finish. Enjoy with charcuterie and soft cheeses. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Château Gaston-Réna 2016
AOC Haut-Médoc, France $28.95 13.0% alcohol
The captivating nose bursts with ripe, dark fruit aromas lifted with hints of sandalwood, cedar and menthol before a cascade of blackberry, cassis, spiced plum and earth flavours coat the palate. Medium-full bodied and well-structured, it offers a silky mouthfeel with supple tannins and bright acidity. Subtle hints of mint and black pepper are carried through the lingering finish and aftertaste. Pair with lightly-seasoned, grilled lamb chops. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Château Lalande d'Auvion 2009
AOC Medoc Cru Bourgeois, France $29.95, 13.5% alcohol
This 50/50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot from the exceptional 2009 Bordeaux vintage is a hard-to-find treat. It’s elegantly showing its age, with a brownish tinge visible around the edges, and still packs a vibrant nose of jammy cherry and plum, smokey wood, and ash. It is quite tart on the palate, with a medium body and well refined tannins. Flavours of sour cherry and cranberry linger through to a juicy finish. Decant before serving, and pair with some pan seared duck breast with cranberry sauce. (Dave Isaacs)
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Château Tayac ‘Cuvée Nicolas’ 2019
AOC Margaux, France $44.95, 14% alcohol
Deep purple plum in the glass with an extravagant nose of cedar, smoke, raspberry, and dried mint. It’s medium bodied with a delicious acidity, and flavours of cherry, blackcurrant, and black pepper hidden behind a robust layer of tannins. Although drinkable today—paired with medium rare pepper steak—this is a wine to lay down in the cellar and pull out when you are celebrating the start of the 2030s. (Dave Isaacs)
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Domaine Ménard-Gaborit ‘Les Princes’ 2022
AOC Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur Lie, France $18.95 12.0% alcohol
We should drink more Muscadet like this shinny medium-gold shaded one, offering beautiful aromas of ripe pear, yellow apple, a layer of floral notes—think sweet freesia flower—and sea shell minerality. Eight months of maturation on the lees in concrete vats translates into excellent texture and body along with persistent flavours of orchard fruit, lemon rind, some chalky mouth feel and delicious mineral notes so characteristic of this appellation. Totally enjoyable to sip on its own or alongside steamed mussels and sea salt dusted French fries. (Louise Boutin)
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J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2022
AOP Val de Loire, France $18.95 (15774) 12.5% alcohol
Subtle and typical aromas of lime zest, grassy notes and canned green beans introduce a crips and zesty flow of vibrant citrus and ripe gooseberry flavour. This easy to drink medium-light bodied thirst quencher with some mineral flair will pair well with fried calamari or whipped feta dip and crudités. (Louise Boutin)
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J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2022
AOP Touraine, France $19.95 (24609) 12.5% alcohol
This expressive white presents with beautiful lemongrass, lime, gooseberry and flint aromas. The palate is treated to a pleasant round flow of delicious starfruit, lime juice, gooseberry flavours topped with a little kick of white pepper trailing in the refreshing lengthy finish. This is perfect for an appetizer of asperges-vinaigrette or a dill and feta cheese fluffy omelet. (Louise Boutin)
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Maison Darragon ‘Les Tuffes’ Vouvray Dry 2022
AOP Vouvray, France $19.95 13.0% alcohol
Vouvray is a 100% chenin blanc appellation from the Loire Valley, vinified in different styles. This is a dry one, showcasing aromas of yellow apple, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe and honeysuckle. Bright passionfruit acidity on the palate opens the door to other delicious flavours—ripe pineapple, Meyer lemon, green apple—before switching to the mineral character and mouth-watering crisp lasting finish. This medium-bodied white will shine alongside fish & chips or coconut shrimps. (Louise Boutin)
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Maison Darragon ‘Le Haut des Ruettes’ Vouvray Medium-Dry 2021
AOP Vouvray, France $19.95 (24860) 12.5% alcohol
You could never tell that this 100% chenin blanc with its aromas of hay, white grapefruit, and fennel seeds has 19g/L of unfermented sugar. The surprise comes on the first sip when a round and medium-full bodied flow of ripe yellow fruit, ginger and honeyed flavours travels the palate before disclosing bright citrus acidity and chalky minerality on the delicious and unexpected finish. This is a perfect balance of ripe fruit sweetness and sharp acidity, ideal to pair with General Tao crispy tofu or orange and ginger chicken brochettes. (Louise Boutin)
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Patrick Galant Cairanne Red ‘Vieilles Vignes’ 2022
AOP Cairanne, France $23.95 14.5% alcohol
A fruity nose just bursts out of the glass for this luscious blend of 50 % grenache, 40% syrah, 10% mourvèdre. Accompanying the fruit are hints of dried mint, thyme and vanilla. Wonderfully smooth on the palate, with a medium-to-full body and firm but well integrated tannins. The acidity carries delicous flavours of cherry and strawberry through the finish. Pair with herb roasted lamb chops. (Dave Isaacs)
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Patrick Gallant Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages 2022
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages, France (20640) $18.95 14.5% alcohol
This fruit-forward red blend offers aromas of dark plum, black berry and blueberry underscored with hints of violets, baking spices and a dusty mineral note before a juicy stream of ripe red and dark fruit flavours wash over the palate. Medium bodied with well-integrated alcohol, the silky tannins and fresh acidity contribute to the soft mouthfeel while plum, red licorice and a grounding mineral note are enjoyed into the lasting finish. Pair with cheese and charcuterie. (Lisa Isabelle)
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+C Long Côtes du Rhône Red 2022
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $17.95 14.5% alcohol
This grenache and syrah blend has an exotically complex nose of cherry, vanilla, pine needles, and pepper. Smooth on the palate with a medium-full body, approachable tannins, and a pleasantly tart acidity. Flavours of red fruit and pepper abound, and the finish is long and fruity. This is the wine to celebrate the end of winter, when you dig up your BBQ and grill some pepper steaks. (Dave Isaacs)
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Domaine Fond Croze ‘Romanaise’ 2021
AOP Côtes du Rhône Villages, France $21.95 14.5% alcohol
This organic red from 100% old vine grenache, offers aromas of ripe plum compote, black tea and a touch of freshly grated cinnamon. Charming and smooth on the palate at first, a cool river of ripe black fruit flavours quickly morphs into a spicy and warm wave of delicious plum driven character enveloped in powdery astringent tannins. Alcohol is well integrated in this medium-full-bodied delicious puzzling wine. Hold for a couple years to pour alongside a rare, well-seasoned flank steak or eggplant parmigiana after one hour of aeration/decant. (Louise Boutin)
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Domaine Fond Croze Vieilles Vignes Organic Rasteau 2022
AOC Rasteau, France $21.95 15.5% alcohol
The opaque purple colour introduces a multitude of dark fruit aromas adorned with vanilla bean bergamot, tobacco and cedar before a cascade of dark plum, cassis, mocha and vanilla flavours engulf the palate. Full bodied, round and supple with enough acidity to balance, the generous finish is long, warm and satisfying. Pair with beef short ribs. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Château La Croix des Pins ‘Les 3 Villages ‘2020
AOP Ventoux, France $19.95 14.5% alcohol
This Provence red blend of 55% grenache, 35% syrah with a splash of carignan and marselan is quite timid on the nose with mild aromas of red cherry, dry bush and iodine. It flows with relative ease on the palate despite its high octane, leaving plenty of space for the crunchy red cherry and blackberry flavours to express themselves. Black pepper and a touch of caramelized sugar complement the picture in the otherwise savoury and bright finish. Pair with traditional ratatouille or confit of duck. (Louise Boutin)
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Château La Croix des Pins ‘Les Dessous des Dentalles’ 2021
AOC Gigondas, France $18.95 14.5% alcohol
A superbly valued blend of 65% grenache, 25% syrah, and 10% mourvèdre, this wine sports a wonderful nose of stewed strawberries and dried sage, and just a whiff of wood. It has a glorious, full-bodied mouthfeel, with juicy acidity and smooth tannins. Flavours of vanilla, mint, and mocha support a tang of cherry that lasts through to the finish. Well paired with roasted game bird with cherry sauce. (Dave Isaacs)
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Domaine des Nymphes Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages 2020
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages, France $39.85 14.5% alcohol
Don’t be fooled by the pale ruby colour, this delicious southern-Rhone blend abounds with intense aromas of raspberry, red cherry and plums gently seasoned with notions of dried herbs and black pepper. Mid-weight and well-structured, bright fruit flavours flow across the palate balanced with mouth-watering acidity and gentle tannins. Hints of dried cherry and mint are present through the long, dry finish. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Cave de Clébourg Gewürztraminer 2020
AOC Alsace, France $19.95 (18560) 13.5% alcohol
This is a classic aromatic nose of ripe pineapple, lychee and ginger, coating the palate with a delicious and intense cocktail of flavours very much aligned with the aroma profile, with the addition of white grapefruit tang and mild pithy note balancing the spicy and fresh finish. This medium-full-bodied white will embellish any gourmet sushi platter. (Louise Boutin)
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Domaine Jaume Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2022
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $18.95 13.5% alcohol
The grapes for this wine are hand picked, destemmed, and lightly pressed. The result is a brightly vibrant nose of cherry, cotton candy, and peppermint. On the palate, it is medium-full bodied and boasts a smoothly juicy texture that is balanced by firm tannins and a nice acidity. Jammy fruit flavours, with a dash of mint, blend towards a cherry-flavoured finish. Drink this within 5 years, paired with roast duck breast. (Dave Isaacs)
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Famille Jaume Côtes du Rhône Red 2022
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $18.95 13.5% alcohol
Months of maturation on the lees results in an expressive nose of mint, cherry, and smoked meat. The smooth tannins are balanced by mouthwatering acidity and supported by a medium-full body. Rich and jammy flavours of blackcurrant and blueberry last through the long finish. A true crowd pleaser that can be enjoyed with friends, on its own, or paired with hearty spaghetti bolognese. (Dave Isaacs)
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Domaine Jaume ‘Altitude 420’ 2021
AOC Vinsobres, France $19.95 14.0% alcohol
The name of this wine derives from the fact that the grapes for this wine (60% grenache, 40% syrah) are grown in a vineyard at an altitude of 420m. You will find an expressive nose of strawberry, mint, and just a hint of leather or smoke. It has a medium to light body, a pleasant tartness, and firm tannins. Flavours of sour cherry, vanilla, and chocolate lead to a long, tart finish. You can enjoy this wine today with BBQ lamb chops, however, a couple more years in the cellar will be beneficial. (Dave Isaacs)
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Rocca Maura ‘Cuvée 1737’ 2021
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $19.95 14.0% alcohol
The nose of this wine hits you with a burst of cherry, strawberry, vanilla, and just a hint of nutmeg spice. It is medium bodied on the palate, with easygoing tannins and a pleasantly juicy acidity. Flavours of cherry, mint, and thyme mingle beautifully and carry through to the finish. This will be well paired with herb-crusted pork tenderloin. (Dave Isaacs)
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Provolo Soave 2022
DOC Soave, Italy $12.95 12.5% alcohol
This crisp Soave, with 80% garganega and 20% chardonnay, is a tremendous value! It sports a vibrant nose of apple, green leaves, clover, and nectar. It has a delightful mouthfeel, with a medium body and luscious acidity. Flavours of green apple, ground cherries, and lime abound, with the lime lingering through to the finish. Immediately after finishing your glass, you are going to want another. This will pair well with linguini with a creamed clam sauce. (Dave Isaacs)
New in Ontario Wineries
• The following wine may be purchased online or at the winery—here’s a link—Henry of Pelham Winery—and delivered to your door or you may find product at your local LCBO retail store.
• The following 2021 Speck Bros. ‘Revel’ Cabernet-Baco Noir Dark Red was sourced from the ripest grapes grown in some of the warmest vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel then matured for six months in oak. The price-quality proposition skews in your favour at this price… stock up.
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Speck Bros. ‘Revel’ Cabernet-Baco Noir Dark Red 2021
VQA Ontario $15.95 (575662) 13.0% alcohol
A rich, aromatic nose of gamy notes, exotic spice and a flourish of savoury notes intertwine with expressive ripe cherry notes. It bathes the palate with tangy pizzazz and fresh fruit flavours of black plum, bramble berry and black Bing cherry. This is medium weight with creamy mouthfeel and plenty to like. There’s deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and a lingering lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour with barbecued meats—gourmet sausage, backyard burgers or steak. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following wines by the case for daily home or office directly online from Kacaba Vineyards with FREE shipping in Ontario on orders of six bottles or more, by phone at 1 866 522-2228 or 1 905 562-5625, or pick up a bottle or case from the winery (curbside pick-up or shop in the boutique it’s open 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week) at 3550 King Street in Vineland ON.
• We’re most appreciative for your continued support and all that the winecurrent.com team do to promote VQA Ontario wines. Should your subscribers like to visit Kacaba Vineyards & Winery after reading your wine reviews, we want to offer them a Buy-One-Get-One discount for wine tasting reservations booked online by using your personalized discount code (case sensitive): WINECURRENT
• Please note that this discount code is only eligible on 2 OR MORE wine tastings per reservation, and must be booked via our website: http://www.exploretock.com/kacabavineyards Please feel free to promote this in your publication as the code is already active.
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Kacaba Vineyards ‘Proprietor’s Block - Escarpment’ Syrah 2019
VQA Niagara Escarpment $35.15 13.8% alcohol
Alluring aromas are sleek and elegant with boysenberry pie, © Ribena and cassis to the fore followed by grilled savoury herbs, soft ripe tannin and plenty of tang-laden palate-fruit flavours of black cherry/berry fruit that lingers on the finish and aftertaste along with 10% Viognier. Give this a go with cassoulet, osso buco or grilled vegetables for vegans. (Vic Harradine)
• The syrah vines that were sourced for the following wine were planted in 1998, making them the oldest syrah vines on site. They were harvested for this wine when they were 21-years-old.
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Kacaba Vineyards ‘Silver Bridge Vineyard - Escarpment’ Syrah 2019
VQA Niagara Escarpment $35.15 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of blueberry, black juicy cherry and piquant spice abound on the nose of this nicely balanced syrah. There are creamy-smooth mouthfuls of deftly balanced and delightfully delicious ambrosia on the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside grilled steak, beer-can roasted chicken or grilled and mopped pork back ribs with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Kacaba ‘Reserve – Meritage’ was sourced from the dazzling 2020 vintage made up from 40% cabernet sauvignon/35% cabernet franc/25% merlot sourced from the estate vineyards of the renowned VQA Niagara Escarpment.
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Kacaba ‘Reserve – Meritage’ 2020
VQA Niagara Escarpment $60.15 14.8% alcohol
Delightful aromas of cassis, Saskatoon berries, juicy black plum and black Bing cherry waft easily after the gentlest of swirls. A river of palate flavours dominated by piquant spice and wood-smoke along with tangy passionfruit, pie cherry and a smooth and mellow mouthfeel and plenty of pizzazz. This is nicely balanced and dishes up a persistent purity of fruit from cork pop to last drop. Give this a try with Asian eggplant and freshly picked zucchini and a generous helping of fried onions and cooked, minced beef. (Vic Harradine)
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Kacaba ‘Reserve – Cabernet Franc’ 2020
VQA Niagara Escarpment $60.15 14.9% alcohol
Rich, luscious aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit—blueberry, boysenberry, cassis and black juicy Bing cherry juxtaposed with tangy pie cherry. A stream of fruit-driven palate-flavours with the following to the fore—ripe Saskatoon berries, tangy passionfruit, ripe black cherries and plenty of tang and pizzazz underpinned with smooth soft tannin and savoury oak after 19 months of French and American barrel ageing. The finish and aftertaste meld nicely along with svelte tannin. Pour alongside medium-rare skirt steak,
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| Malivoire Small Lot Pinot Noir 2021 |
• The following Malivoire Wine Company ‘Small Lot’ Pinot Noir 2021 sourced pinot noir grapes from three Beamsville Bench sites. The blend is 56% Mottiar Vineyard/35% Moira Vineyard/10% Malivoire Estate, with all hand-harvested between September 30th and October 12th, 2021. Most of the grapes were destemmed with 6% held in whole clusters then divided into two lots, one in stainless steel and the other in concrete tanks. The wines were next combined to mature nine months in French oak barrels. After blending, 654 cases were bottled in August, 2022.
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Malivoire Wine Company ‘Small Lot’ Pinot Noir 2021
VQA Beamsville Bench $29.95 12.0% alcohol
When poured in the glass it shines with lightly-hued bright ruby red colour galore. Aromas of earthy notes and red cherry/berry fruit waft easily with the gentlest of swirls. It blankets the palate with delightful fruit-forward flavours of pie cherry, blueberry, black bramble berry and oodles of sharp tang and pizzazz expressed as delightful acidity of rhubarb flavour and Montmorency pie cherry. The finish and aftertaste are lengthy and persistent purity of fruit that is deftly balanced. Pick up an armful and drink now to 2028 with careful cellaring. Pour alongside home-smoked duck breast adorned with home-made mango marmalade. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Malivoire Wine Company ‘Forgotten Row’ Chardonnay were the last hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes from the estate-owned mature vines of the Moira Vineyard on October 1st, 2020 with the average sugar content of the unfermented grape registering in at 22.6 ° C. This wine was fermented and pressed from destemmed grapes that were fermented in five French oak barrels—one barrel was new, two barrels were second use and two were neutral with monthly bâtonnage—aka lees stirring—for the first five months. Barrels were blended and the wine integrated for a further three months in a large, previously used large oak barrel. The finished wine was bottled after just over a year in oak in December 2021. It is available only at the Malivoire winery that you can access online on their website and have it delivered to your door or by ordering ahead of time and picking it up at the winery. Your call. Drink now to 2028.
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Malivoire Wine Company ‘Forgotten Row’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Beamsville Bench $34.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of buckwheat honey, caramel and baked apple make an appearance on the nose and replay on the palate with a freshly baked apple pie flavour adorned with baking spice, lemon pastille and a tinge of a trick or treat Halloween caramel apple. The mouthfeel is absolutely amazing and creamy-smooth from first sip to last drop as are the fabulous flavours that persist to and through the finish and aftertaste. The 2020 vintage is a dazzling one in virtually all VQA appellations and sub-appellations, especially in Ontario. This may be named the ‘Forgotten Row’, but if you get a chance to taste it, you’ll not forget how wonderful this wine tastes, on its own and/or with pan-seared-in-butter Atlantic salmon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2022 Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Gris was hand-harvested September 15th to 18th from mature vines that achieved an average sugar content of 20.6 ° brix of the unfermented sugar in the grapes. Hand-sorted clusters were destemmed and pressed for primary fermentation in stainless steel tank. The new wine settled in tank for four months prior to bottling in January, 2023
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Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Gris 2022
VQA Beamsville Bench $21.95 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of honeydew melon, savoury herbs and notions of piquant citrus—lemon curd and Key lime give way to the palate of Granny Smith apple and grilled and lightly sugared pink grapefruit sections that persist through the finish and aftertaste. Give this a go now to 2026 alongside fish tacos, grilled calamari or a deli platter of mixed sushi. (Vic Harradine)
• Use this link - Rockway Vineyards - to search their winery website for the following and other wines available to you as they will take your order online and deliver to your home, business office or licensed restaurant. You can also phone them as they are open daily 11 am to 6 pm – 1-905-641-5771 or you can email them - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• The following wines are being released by Rockway Vineyards and you may also find them in the near future on shelves of LCBO retail stores. The oldest hand-harvested vines sought for the following wine were 18-years-old at time of harvest. This wine was settled for 48 hours, during 10 months of oak maturation the wine was fermented in one new French oak barrel while the balance was aged in tank. The entire winemaking team deserves a doff of your and my hat for producing this gem. Give it a go.
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Rockway Vineyards ‘Small Lot’ Chardonnay 2021
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $25.00 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of citrus fruit—orange, lemon and grapefruit are intertwined with leesy notes and an interesting streak of saline on the palate along with persistent fruit-flavours of sweet white nectarine and yellow Mirabelle plum to and through the finish and aftertaste. There is also good balance along with the lip-smacking finish and tang-laden aftertaste. Give this a go alongside roast chicken or turkey with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)
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Rockway Vineyards ‘Gamay Noir’ 2021
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $24.00 12.0% alcohol
It’s medium-bodied, deftly balanced and oozing with excellent aromas and its fair share of fruit-flavoured notes along with tang and pizzazz. There is also alluring aromas of baking spice, rhubarb and strawberry pie. The delicious fruit flavours on the palate, finish and aftertaste carry the day. Give this a go with a glass of wine on its own then try with prosciutto-wrapped figs stuffed with chèvre and topped with a balsamic glaze. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Rockway Vineyards ‘Pinot Noir’ is light in colour and barely ruby red in the glass. The grapes were hand-harvested at the end of September from their estate vineyard. The fruit was crushed into tank with the juice undergoing a five-day cold soak then warmed to an alcoholic fermentation with punch-downs twice a day. It was then pressed-off to settle in a stainless steel tank before being racked to French oak barrels, 33% new. Natural malo-lactic conversion occurred in barrel and the wine remained in barrel for an additional time of ten months before it was racked back to tank where it settled prior to being filtered and bottled.
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Rockway Vineyards ‘Pinot Noir’ 2021
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $28.00 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of bramble berry, cassis and floral notes, waft easily after the gentlest swirl. The palate is treated to an elegant-tinged stream of Montmorency pie cherry, ripe, red raspberry and plenty of tang and pizzazz from initial cork pop to the very last drop. Pour alongside Coq au vin or Peking duck. (Vic Harradine)
• The following easy-drinking 2021 Rockway Vineyards ‘Pink Ribbon – Rosé’ was sourced from 100% cabernet franc from the Rockway Estate Vineyard on the renowned Twenty Mile Bench.
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Rockway Vineyards ‘Pink Ribbon – Rosé’ 2021
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $22.00 12.5% alcohol
It sits in the glass with a psychedelic pink colour while aromas of candy floss, strawberry and notions of sweet white lilac abound on the nose before the palate is treated to a smorgasbord of flavours with tang-infused Montmorency red pie cherry, ripe black raspberry and notions of pomegranate persists to and through the finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with pan-seared-in-butter Atlantic salmon or a green salad dressed with extra-virgin olive oil, a dash of red-wine vinegar and crumbled chèvre along with sliced grape tomatoes, chunks of cut cucumber and a generous helping of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Rockway Vineyards ‘Clubhouse White’ is an inspired blend of 86% vidal/10% riesling/4% chardonnay that delivers a pure expression of blended wine from the VQA Twenty-Mile Bench. Once fermentation was finished naturally the wine was left on its ferment lees for 4 months before being stabilized, filtered and bottled.
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Rockway Vineyards ‘Clubhouse White’ 2020
VQA Twenty-Mile Bench $17.00 10.5% alcohol
Aromas of floral notes, musky cantaloupe and buckwheat honey abound on the nose of this delightful fruit-driven—off-dry beauty with palate flavours of mango, ripe pear and lemon pastille mingling with grilled and sweetened pineapple and grilled and sugar-topped ruby red grapefruit juxtaposed with plenty of tang and pizzazz. This is medium-bodied with good mouthfeel and texture throughout. It’s nicely balanced on the palate, finish and aftertaste. Don’t hesitate to pick up a few as you can sip on its own or pour with your favourite snacks or with a plate of sushi or a deli platter. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Rockway Vineyards ‘Clubhouse Red’ is another inspired blend. This time there are four grape varieties with two leading the way—54% baco noir and 33% cabernet franc along with a smaller combination of 8% syrah and 5% merlot.
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Rockway Vineyards ‘Clubhouse Red’ 2021
VQA Twenty-Mile Bench $18.00 13.0% alcohol
This is an inspired blend of near-perfection with the baco noir and the cabernet franc. Aromas of mulberry and blueberry abound on the nose of this dazzling red wine. It blankets the palate with a gusher of black Bing cherry and notions of bramble berry along with a laser-like stream of delightful tang and pizzazz to balance off the ripe fruit flavours. Pour this with barbecued burgers or grilled gourmet sausage or meat-laden, red-sauced pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers!
Dave, Lisa, Louise, and Vic